Iron Horse Brewery and Icicle Brewing Team Up for Wildfire Victims

(Updated Nov. 12, 2014) I just received word that this project raised $10,200 for the local Red Cross.

“Our wholesale and retail partners really made all of this possible,” said Greg Parker, Owner of Iron Horse Brewery. “And, of course, without the beer drinkers, we would be bringing back a bunch of beer. Thanks are in order to you, beer drinker, you really helped the fire victims.”

The $10,200 will be split with direct donations going to Red Cross of Kittitas County and Red Cross Apple Valley, ideally in a the form of giant check.

The dollar amount raised reflects all of the beer shipped for the fundraiser. “There may be a few remaining bottles of 509 Style or Crosscut Pilsner on the shelf marked with Beer vs Fire,” commented Pamela Brulotte, Owner of Icicle Brewing Company. “We anticipated that might happen so our donation reflects those bottles. We’re asking our customers to help those retailers out and get the last few bottles off the shelves if you see them.”

Original Story: Posted on August 12, 2014 – This year’s fires in Central and Eastern Washington devastated many lives, homes and properties. And the summer is not over. The folks at Iron Horse Brewing and Icicle Brewing want to help by doing the only thing they can: make beer. Because both breweries are located in Central Washington, these two breweries know firsthand the level of damage. The devastation is not just an image on the television.

The goal of the BEER vs FIRE project is to raise $12,000 for the local Red Cross and its efforts to aid individuals and families affected by the Carlton Complex, Snag Canyon, Chiwaukum Complex, and South Cle Elum Ridge fires.

Each brewery will release a beer with special packaging. The distinctive red BEER vs FIRE banner on the label indicates that the brewery is donating $1.00 to the Red Cross. In other words, for every bottle sold, one dollar is donated.

“It’s an ambitious goal,” said Pam Brulotte, Owner of Icicle Brewing Company. “But we believe with the support of our wholesale partners and retailers this can happen.”

Iron Horse Brewery will release 509 Style Ale with the special label and Icicle Brewing will release its Crosscutt Pilsner with the special label. Look for them at bars, bottleshops, and grocery stores knowing that your purchase is helping support this worthy cause. They should be hitting the shelves soon.

“It’s starting to seem that giant fires are a new feature of summer in our region,” said Greg Parker, Owner of Iron Horse Brewery. “As breweries we are in a good position to help with the aftermath. I know I try to do the right thing at times like this, but when beer is involved, I tend to always do the right thing. We’re hoping to facilitate that for our neighbors. And of course working with the great people at Icicle Brewing Company makes this even better.”